Get Started

Cornell values diversity and inclusion within its campus community and seeks to provide an affirming environment for all its students. Student Disability Services (SDS) provides the opportunity for you to disclose your disability status, as well as to request any needed accommodations or services. You are an important part of Cornell and we are here to support you in your success. 

Steps to Register With SDS

  1.  Complete a Disability Self-Disclosure Form and/or a Housing Accommodation Request Form
    • For academic, transportation, dining, and other general requests: complete a Disability Self-Disclosure Form
    • If you have disability-related housing needs, complete the Housing Accommodation Request Form
    • You may need to complete both forms, depending on what you are requesting.
         
  2. Submit supporting information (if available) 
    • Any information or documentation you can readily share can be included or uploaded with the form(s). 
    • Provide as much detailed information as possible. The more information you share, the better we will be able to work with you.   
    • Review our documentation guidelines to learn what information is helpful to share.
    • Documentation does not have to be provided at this time, if you do not have access to it. 
          
  3. Make sure you submit your form!
    • After you upload any documentation or supporting information, be sure to click "Review and Submit Application" followed by "Submit Application" on the next screen.
          
  4. After we review your information, we will follow up with you about any requested accommodations or services.  
    • We may ask you to provide additional information or to meet with us. 
    • Not all accommodations will require you to meet with us. 
          
  5. If an accommodation plan is created, we will inform you of the next steps in using your accommodations. 

Note: You can register with SDS even if you do not need an accommodation plan at this time by completing the Disability Self-Disclosure Form. 

Additional Information

  • For requests involving housing, please be aware that we have certain deadlines due to the timing of housing placements.
  • If your request involves an emotional support animal, we may have some specific forms for you to complete. These will be shared after you start the registration process with our office.
  • We also have information on other accommodations and services that you can read to learn more.

How Long Does This Process Take?

After you submit your accommodation request, it can take up to three weeks for us to follow up with you. Please do not contact our office to request status updates. 

It is helpful for us to hear from you early. Certain accommodations can take a few weeks to put into place (such as Sign Language interpreting or document conversion) and others rely on making advance arrangements with your course staff (such as exam accommodations).  

The sooner we can start working with you on an accommodation plan, the more likely it will be in place by the time you need it.